How to reload page only once in JavaScript?

Reloading a web page only once can be crucial for enhancing user experience, maintaining state, or implementing specific functionality in web applications. This article explores various methods to achieve a single page reload in JavaScript, providing you with the tools to choose the most suitable approach for your project. Whether you’re building a dynamic web app or optimizing an existing site, understanding these techniques will help you create smoother, more efficient user interfaces.

How to reload page only once in JavaScript?

In JavaScript, reloading a page once typically involves checking whether the page has been loaded before, setting a flag to indicate the reload has occurred, and then triggering the reload if necessary. The basic syntax varies depending on the method used, but generally involves using browser storage (like localStorage or sessionStorage) or URL parameters to track the reload state. Let’s explore different methods to achieve this, along with their pros and cons:

Read more: How to Filter an Array in JavaScript?

Method 1: Using localStorage

if (!localStorage.getItem('pageReloaded')) {
    localStorage.setItem('pageReloaded', 'true');
    location.reload();
} else {
    localStorage.removeItem('pageReloaded');
}

Pros:

• Persists across browser sessions
• Simple implementation

Cons:

• Requires manual cleanup to allow future reloads
• May not work if localStorage is disabled or full

Method 2: Using sessionStorage

if (!sessionStorage.getItem('pageReloaded')) {
    sessionStorage.setItem('pageReloaded', 'true');
    location.reload();
}

Pros:

• Automatically clears when the browser session ends
• Doesn’t require manual cleanup

Cons:

• Doesn’t persist if the user closes and reopens the browser

Method 3: Using URL Parameters

if (!window.location.search.includes('reloaded')) {
    window.location.search += (window.location.search ? '&' : '?') + 'reloaded=1';
} else {
    // Remove the parameter to allow future reloads
    let url = new URL(window.location.href);
    url.searchParams.delete('reloaded');
    window.history.replaceState({}, '', url);
}

Pros:

• Works across different browser windows/tabs
• Doesn’t rely on browser storage

Cons:

• Modifies the URL, which may not be desirable in some cases
• Requires additional code to clean up the URL

Method 4: Using Performance API

if (performance.navigation.type !== 1) {
    location.reload();
}

Pros:

• Simple and concise
• Doesn’t require storage or URL modification

Cons:

• Less reliable across different browsers
• May not work as expected if the page is loaded from cache

Which Method Should You Use?

The choice of method depends on your specific requirements:

1. If you need the reload state to persist across browser sessions, use the localStorage method.
2. For a solution that automatically resets when the browser is closed, the sessionStorage method is ideal.
3. If you want to ensure the reload works across different tabs or windows, the URL parameter method is a good choice.
4. For a quick, simple solution that doesn’t modify storage or URLs, the Performance API method can be effective, but be aware of its limitations.

Consider factors such as browser compatibility, persistence requirements, and the impact on your URL structure when making your decision. It’s also important to test your chosen method thoroughly across different browsers and scenarios to ensure it behaves as expected.